Illinois Springfield women's basketball (9-12, 6-7 GLVC) fell to Maryville (17-5, 11-3 GLVC), 60-50, after a decisive 23-point fourth quarter by the Saints. Maryville held a significant 52-35 advantage in rebounds in their eleventh conference win.

The game began with UIS taking an early lead, as Julia Mingus hit a jumper at 9:13. The Prairie Stars extended their advantage to 4-0 following a paint jumper by Allysia McDaniel at 7:54. Despite turnovers, the Prairie Stars maintained momentum with a three-pointer from Libby Blythe at 4:37, assisted by Makenna Yeager, to reclaim the lead at 8-6. 

The teams exchanged baskets and turnovers throughout the quarter, with Kennedy Osterman contributing both a key jumper and a steal in the final minute. Maryville managed to tie the game at the buzzer with Claire Lueken's tip-in, closing the first quarter at 13-13.

The Prairie Stars opened the second quarter with a three by Kennedy Osterman, assisted by Kayla Rice, for the lead. However, Maryville responded with an 8-1 run, including a 3-pointer by Lindsey Schadewalt, shifting the momentum to the home side. Despite this, UIS demonstrated strong defensive play, holding the Saints without a field goal for 11 minutes from late in the second quarter through the entire third quarter.

Looking more closely at the third quarter, UIS took the lead with a three by Julia Mingus at 8:55, establishing momentum. Molly Knight's two free throws at 6:57 tied the game at 30-30. Kennedy Osterman's layup at 5:38, assisted by Knight, then pushed the Prairie Stars ahead. Maryville then made 8-of-9 free throws over the next two-minute stretch. Springfield's Libby Blythe scored a crucial layup with nine seconds left to narrow the gap to one point. The quarter concluded with a 37-36 lead for the Saints.

UIS briefly took the lead in the fourth quarter with a pair of made free throws by Kayla Rice. Maryville countered with a series of successful plays in the paint, shifting the balance back in its favor. The Prairie Stars managed to close the gap to within four points after a jumper by Kennedy Osterman at 2:02, but a series of turnovers hindered their ability to regain control and they'd fall 60-50 in St. Louis.

Julia Mingus scored 18 points, converting 6 of 10 field goal attempts, including three three-pointers. Kennedy Osterman collected 12 rebounds and added 10 points, while also recording two steals. Kayla Rice posted three steals and finished with six rebounds and five points. Molly Knight added two steals and converted all four of her free throw attempts.

The Prairie Stars are now 9-12 overall and 6-7 in GLVC play. Maryville improves to 17-5 overall and 11-3 in the GLVC.

Up Next
UIS is set to meet McKendree at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday.